Mobile Phone Policy – Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you of an important update to our Academy’s mobile phone policy, which will take effect from Monday 6th October 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a calm and purposeful learning environment, we have reviewed our current approach to mobile phone use during the Academy day. After consultation with staff and students, we are introducing a revised policy aimed at minimising distractions and promoting positive social interaction. The revised policy now includes communication with parents/carers when a phone is confiscated, and a request for the phone to be collected by a parent/carer from the Academy. Please see the policy summary below for your information.
Mobile Phone Policy – Summary
- Mobile phones must be switched off and kept out of sight during school hours, including break and lunch times.
- Students may not use phones for any purpose (calls, messaging, social media, photography, etc.) unless explicitly authorised by a member of staff for educational use.
- Smart watches with communication capabilities are also subject to the same restrictions.
- If we are aware that a phone has been used on site, or if they are seen on site, they will be confiscated. Parents/carers will then be contacted and asked to collect the phone from the Academy as soon as conveniently possible. All phones will need to be collected the same day as confiscation. In exceptional circumstances, where a parent/carer is unable to collect the phone, we will make alternative arrangements with you for your child to have their phone at the end of the day.
Rationale
This policy is designed to:
- Minimise distractions and improve focus in lessons.
- Promote face-to-face social interaction among students.
- Reduce incidents related to online bullying and inappropriate content.
- Support students to make good choices about their learning and keep their phone away, which is further reinforced.
Support and Enforcement
We understand that mobile phones are an important part of modern life, especially for communication before and after school. Students will still be able to bring phones to the Academy, but they must remain off and out of sight during the day.
Any breaches of the policy will be addressed in line with our behaviour policy, which includes confiscation and parental contact.
Next Steps
We kindly ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home and enacting our behaviour policy. If your child needs to contact you during the Academy day they should not be using their own phones, and can do so via the Academy office or their pastoral leaders.
If you have any questions or concerns about this update, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a positive and productive learning environment.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Ballard | Principal
